A secret castle that families and couples will love…
There’s still a place that’s romantic, peaceful and totally family-friendly. This refuge does exist. It’s hidden behind the gates of a 15th-century château in Missillac…It’s the Domaine de la Bretesche.
Domaine de la Bretesche: a well-kept secret between Brittany and Loire-Atlantique
Located on the edge of the Brière Natural Park, the Domaine de la Bretesche unfolds its charms in a verdant setting of over 200 hectares. Classified as a Relais & Châteaux, this 5-star retreat combines architectural heritage, contemporary elegance and an ultra-complete offering, designed to appeal to both lovers and tribes in search of a refined getaway.
It offers an immersive experience far from the hustle and bustle: here, nature is omnipresent, activities are varied, and each space has been designed to cultivate a gentle sense of “suspended time”.
For couples: romance, design and absolute silence
A refined cocoon for a get-together
Next to the Renaissance château, the estate offers 25 rooms and 6 suites, combining antique woodwork, Ligne Roset design furniture and Dedar textiles. Nothing ostentatious, just a soothing elegance, both discreet and refined, orchestrated by architect-decorator Stéphanie Decurey.
Couples may prefer the duplex villas in a former sheepfold for romantic independence, or the 13 cottages nestled in the park, for total immersion in the forest. Each home has its own wellness facilities, including a spa, heated swimming pool, golf course and tennis courts.
Le Spa Cinq Mondes & Omnisens: the temple of letting go at Domaine de la Bretesche
A true bubble of well-being, the 400 m² spa offers duo massages, personalized sensory rituals, and even outdoor treatments in the Chalet du Potager in season. The indoor pool lined with Burgundy stone is the perfect place to relax after a walk.
For families: nature, freedom and shared pleasures
An ideal setting for introducing children to “slow living
The two-hectare organic permaculture vegetable garden is a clever playground. With over 60 cultivated varieties, it enables the youngest guests to understand where the vegetables served at table come from. An educational asset, but also a sincere move towards sustainable tourism, rare in the luxury hotel industry.
Families can borrow bikes to explore the countryside, organize a game of tennis or pétanque, or simply invent adventures around the lake and water mirror. A jogging trail also winds through the forest for sporty parents. As for the outdoor swimming pool, it offers extra space for children and parents alike.
Modular accommodation for all sizes at Domaine de la Bretesche
With a wide range of accommodation, from classic rooms to family cottages, the Domaine is ideal for families with children, teenagers or even several generations. The cottages are fully equipped for total autonomy, while still benefiting from all the hotel’s services.
Gastronomy: a chef revisits Brittany
Filipe Silvestre, the gastronomic surprise
Trained in Michelin-starred establishments such as Loiseau des Vignes and Les Pêcheurs, chef Filipe Silvestre breathes creative life into the restaurant Le Montaigu. His ” La Côte en Héritage ” menu offers refined seafood products, root vegetables and full-bodied juices, in a spectacular room overlooked by a gold-leaf suspension by Catellani & Smith.
Le Club: a chic brasserie for all tastes
For more casual dining, Le Club offers brazier-grilled meats, comfort food and selected wines, in a designer decor by Tom Dixon. Perfect for a family dinner or post-hike lunch without sacrificing quality.
Golf, seminars, events: the address lends itself to all occasions
The estate’s 18-hole golf course, ranked among the finest in France, is appreciated as much for its demanding layout as for its eco-responsible management. An activity that appeals to sporty families and couples alike.
But the estate can also be transformed into a venue for intimate events: meeting rooms in the former washhouse, the Cour Carrée for cocktails, the bar in the Écuries transformed into hushed alcoves… A rare flexibility, and an omnipresent elegance.
Domaine de la Bretesche, a (still) confidential interlude urgently worth trying out
While some luxury hotels saturate as soon as the weather turns warm, Domaine de la Bretesche remains a discreet address, still untouched by the crowds. Its perfect balance of comfort, nature and sophistication makes it a real treasure to discover – especially if you’re looking to get away from formatted stays.
Practical information
📍 Address: Domaine de la Bretesche, 44780 Missillac, Loire-Atlantique
🚄 Access: 2h by TGV from Paris (via Nantes or Redon), then 40 min by car
🌿 Label: Relais & Châteaux, eco-responsible management
🧘♀️ Activities: Spa, 18-hole golf course, tennis, pétanque, jogging course, bicycles
👨👩👧👦 Accommodation: Rooms, suites, villas and cottages (up to 6 people)
🍽️ Restaurants: Gastronomic Le Montaigu, Brasserie Le Club
Reservations: see availability
Also read: Villa Junot: Iconic House unveils a Montmartre retreat, part family home, part aesthete’s dream